Tulane Makes CFP Debut, Faces Ole Miss in First-Round Rematch

Tulane secured its first-ever College Football Playoff berth after defeating North Texas to claim the AAC championship, earning the No. 11 seed in the expanded 12-team bracket. The Green Wave will travel to Oxford, Mississippi, to face the No. 6-seeded Ole Miss Rebels in the first round on December 20 at 3:30 p.m. ET.

Head coach Jon Sumrall, who will leave Tulane at season’s end to take over at Florida, emphasized the importance of enjoying the moment and playing without regrets. “We’re playing with house money a little bit right… You only get one shot at this, have no regrets,” Sumrall said. “Play as a team. Have fun going through this experience.”

The matchup is a rematch of an earlier-season game, in which Tulane suffered a 45-10 loss to Ole Miss. At the time, the Rebels were coached by Lane Kiffin; Pete Golding now leads the program after Kiffin’s departure to LSU.

Tulane has a historic opportunity in Sumrall’s final season. No Group of 5 team has won a CFP game since the playoff expanded to 12 teams, giving the Green Wave a chance to make history with a victory on the road against a top-tier opponent.

1. Tulane’s Road to the CFP

Tulane entered the postseason riding a five-game winning streak following its last loss to UTSA. Quarterback Jake Retzlaff and the Green Wave offense have improved steadily, giving the team confidence heading into the playoff. The AAC championship win over North Texas was a defining moment, solidifying Tulane’s credentials as a legitimate playoff contender despite being a Group of 5 school. The victory capped a remarkable season that featured strong performances on both sides of the ball. Tulane’s defensive unit has also shown resilience, rebounding from setbacks and adjusting after losses earlier in the season. Coach Sumrall highlighted the team’s ability to respond positively to defeats, using adversity as motivation for the playoff run. The Green Wave’s balance of offense, defense, and momentum provides a foundation for a potential upset against Ole Miss, though the challenge remains formidable given the Rebels’ higher seeding and past dominance.

2. Ole Miss and First-Round Challenges

Ole Miss enters the CFP with an 11-1 record, their only loss coming to Georgia, and is seeded sixth in the bracket. The Rebels’ offense remains potent, while new head coach Pete Golding has stabilized the program after Lane Kiffin’s departure. In the previous matchup, Tulane struggled to move the ball, averaging just 4.1 yards per play and completing only five passes for 56 yards. Containing the Rebels’ passing attack and limiting big plays will be crucial for the Green Wave to have a chance at victory. Ole Miss’ top receivers and dynamic offense present a major challenge, requiring Tulane to maximize its defensive schemes and capitalize on opportunities to stay competitive. Special teams and situational execution will likely play a pivotal role in the outcome. The rematch provides an opportunity for redemption, as Tulane aims to prove it can compete at the highest level despite its previous lopsided defeat. The game will be a measuring stick for the Green Wave and a potential milestone for Group of 5 programs.

3. Historical Context and Expectations

Tulane is one of only two non-Power 4 teams in this year’s CFP, alongside No. 12 seed James Madison. Their participation highlights the growing competitiveness of Group of 5 conferences and underscores the significance of a potential first playoff win. For Sumrall, the game represents a final chance to leave a lasting legacy at Tulane, mentoring players and guiding them through a historic moment in program history. His leadership and motivational approach will be key in preparing the team mentally and emotionally. The Green Wave will need discipline, execution, and resilience to overcome the challenges of playing on the road against a higher-seeded team. Any success could cement this season as a landmark achievement for Tulane football. Tulane’s matchup with Ole Miss is poised to test the team’s preparation, adaptability, and poise, offering a unique opportunity to make history in the CFP.